It’s The Favourite at BAFTA

It was a win-win for period dramas at the 2019 British Academy Film Awards in London on Sunday night as the 18th century-set “The Favourite” won seven honours, and the Mexican black and white drama Roma registered four big wins.

At the ceremony hosted by Joanna Lumley at the Royal Albert Hall, The Favourite won Outstanding British Film, Leading Actress (Olivia Colman), Supporting Actress (Rachel Weisz), Original Screenplay, Costume Design, Production Design, Make Up and Hair.

Lead role

Acting accolades went to Rami Malek for his lead role as Queen star Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, which also won an award for Sound. Mahershala Ali won the Best Supporting Actor for Green Book, a film backed by Reliance Entertainment’s Amblin Entertainment.

Diversity was celebrated as Guyanese-born British actress Letitia Wright won the EE Rising Star Award — an honour that the public votes for.

Black Panther received the BAFTA for Special Visual Effects. Star Is Born won for Original Music — an award that singer-actress Lady Gaga was ecstatic about.

The film’s actor-director Bradley Cooper, who composed music for it too, said: “I got to fulfil a dream I never thought would happen, and I got to do it with some of the best musicians in the world. The music was the heartbeat of the film.” 

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A proud moment for all... 

Writer-director Michael Pearce and Producer Lauren Dark received the award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Beast.

The Special Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema was presented to Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, a producing partnership who have created some iconic British films of recent years, including The Crying Game, Company of Wolves, Little Voice, Scandal, Carol and Colette.

The Fellowship, the highest honour the Academy can bestow, was presented to editor Thelma Schoonmaker.

The show featured performances by Cirque du Soleil and Jess Gillam. The elegantly dressed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took front row seats at the event. — Agencies

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Hollywood glamour 

Nominees Glenn Close and Melissa McCarthy as well as award presenters 

Salma Hayek and Cate Blanchett all chose black frocks for the event, which boasted sparkling embroidery or sequins. There were also monochrome looks, with Widows actress Viola Davis in a black dress with a huge white bow at the front. 

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Winning note 

Best Film: Roma

Leading Actor: Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody

Leading Actress:  Olivia Colman, The Favourite

Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali, 

Green Book

Supporting actress: Rachel Weisz, 

The Favourite

Rising Star Award: 

Letitia Wright